Michael Charles Myer

Michael Charles Myer, 59, of Bozeman, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012 from complications from PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). Mike was born October 27, 1952 in Red Wing, MN to Carl and Marjorie (Miller) Myer. His early years were on a farm in Ellsworth, WI, then he and his family moved to Lake City, MN. He went to parochial school until 5th grade. In high school Mike was active in the drama department, acting in many school plays including “Fiddler on the Roof”. He graduated from high school in 1971, and attended Rochester Community College. He worked for Dayton Hudson Department Stores for a short time. Mike began his lifelong love of skiing and outdoors by managing Mount Frontnac Ski Hill in Lake City, MN. In the 1970’s Mike spent 2 years in Garmisch, Germany at the Armed Forces Recreation Center teaching skiing. In the late 70’s Mike found himself in Bozeman, where he was a ski patroller for the Pro Patrol at Big Sky. In 1980, Mike co-authored a snow safety plan that was approved by the USFS for helicopter skiing, the only permit ever issued for helicopter skiing in the region. During the 1980-81 and 1981-82 ski seasons, he guided for Omni Flight Heli Ski on Lone Peak and surrounding areas before the Lone Peak Tram was in place. During the winter of 1978 when morale at Big Sky was low, Mike was tasked by the Patrol director, Terry Onslow, to find a way to turn morale around. Mike’s creative efforts resulted in the establishment of the Dirt Bag Ball, an “anything but normal formal” event. The Dirt Bag Ball became an annual institution that continues to this day as the highlight of the Big Sky winter season. Mike met Sarah Jane Brobst at the Lake City VFW in May of 1983; they were married on August 31, 1985 in Lake City, MN. They made their home in Bozeman and raised their children Mikaela and Matt. In the early 80’s Mike became a ski rep for Volkl skis and then later for Bianchi Bikes for another 24 years until his retirement in 2008. His work as a rep gave Mike and his family an opportunity to travel all over the world. Mike was the president for Big Sky Ski Education Foundation and was involved with the organization for many years. He loved hunting, fly fishing, horseback riding, biking and of course skiing. Mike was outgoing; he always remembered people’s faces and their stories. He was a devoted friend. Mike was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Jean Myer. Survivors include: his wife Sarah of Bozeman; his children Mikaela and Matt both of Sheridan, WY; his parents Carl and Marge, brother and sister-in-law Joe and Cathy all of Lake City, MN; nephew Andy Myer of Madison, WI; niece Melissa Myer and her husband Lyle Phillips of Edgerton, WI; brother-in-law Steve Brobst of East Troy, WI. Mike is also survived by many in-laws, cousins and dear friends A vigil service will be held 6:00 pm, Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. A funeral mass will be held 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at the Bozeman Catholic Community Center, with interment to follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Memorials may be made in his name to Cure PSP, Executive Plaza III, 11350 McCormick Rd. Suite 906, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or Holy Rosary Building Fund, 220 W. Main, Bozeman, MT 59715